A high risk of wildfires following months of hot, dry weather has Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) asking residents to do their part in preventing fires in the open.
The Service has already responded to more than 250 fires in the open this year, several of which have met the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) wildfire criteria.
“We’ve seen more large-scale outdoor fires – incidents involving more than four fire engines – this summer than in the previous five years,” said Alex Holbrook, Station Manager, Community Risk Management Planning, at RBFRS.
“Outdoor fires in fields, forests or scrublands are extremely demanding on our resources, sometimes pulling in crews for days at a time. While we have the specialist equipment and staff to respond to these sorts of fires, preventing them altogether allow us to more effectively respond to incidents elsewhere.”
Whether you are looking to spend the summer in the countryside, camping, or in the garden, the Service is asking people across the county to take extra care to protect the countryside.
Gail Muirhead, Prevention Manager at RBFRS, said: “When conditions are hot and dry, just a small spark is enough to start a large fire outdoors. That’s why, with conditions as they are, we’re asking people not to have bonfires at the moment. We’ve already seen several incidents where bonfires have gotten out of control and spread to surrounding fields, gardens and even homes.
“If you are having a barbecue, remember to keep them on stable ground and away from properties, sheds, fences, trees and shrubs, and to never leave them unattended. Keep a bucket of sand, water or a hose nearby in case of an emergency and, if a fire does start, get to safety and call 999.”
With the risk of fire in the county remaining ‘very high’ as per the Fire Safety Index, there are several ways for residents to do their part in keeping Berkshire safe:
Out and About:
- Always extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly – never throw lit cigarette ends out of car windows.
- Never leave bottles or glass lying around – sunlight shining through can start a fire.
- Avoid using disposable barbecues when conditions are extremely dry – a fire can start and spread rapidly due to the dry grass.
Camping and Caravans:
- Set up tents at least six metres apart and away from parked cars.
- Make sure you know what the fire arrangements on the camp site are and where the nearest telephone is.
- Place your cooking area well away from the tent and keep the area clear of items that catch fire easily – such as long, dry grass.
- Keep matches, lighters, flammable liquids and gas cylinders out of the reach of children.
- Do not use candles in or near a tent – use a torch instead.
- Do not smoke inside a tent.
- Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder and never smoke whilst changing it.
- Have an escape plan and be prepared to cut your way out of your tent if there is a fire.
In the Garden:
- Do not start a bonfire during prolonged periods of hot, dry weather. They can quickly get out of control and spread to surrounding fields and properties.
- Similarly, do not use gas or electric weed burners in your garden while conditions remain as they are.
Agricultural Fires:
- Store hay and straw in separate buildings and at least 10 metres apart.
- Store petrol, diesel and other fuels in a secure area.
- Make sure that refuse is disposed of safely and on a regular basis.
- Do not leave fertilisers, pesticides or storage tank outlets unlocked.
- Read more in the Service’s Farmland Safety and Fire Prevention booklet.
What To Do in an Emergency:
- Never attempt to tackle the fire yourself.
- In an emergency evacuate the area, call 999 immediately.
- When calling 999, describe the type of fire and give a landmark to help locate the fire.
Read more tips to help you stay safe during the warmer weather on the Service’s website.